Factors in Vegetarian Food Marketing in the United States

Increased health consciousness has contributed to a substantial increase in the sale of vegetarian products. The competitive nature of the market for the products dictate that successful producers and firms will be those that provide the best service to vegetarian consumers and this makes an enhanced knowledge of such consumers necessary. This study used data from a national survey to assess the factors that are important to vegetarians in the United States. Most vegetarians were found to have at least one other member of the household who is also a vegetarian. The number of vegetarians is likely to increase if food from meat is perceived as unsafe. Food marketers are more likely to increase their market share of vegetarian products if they position themselves to take advantage of changing public perceptions on the safety of food from meat.